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Thailand to be Asean-India intermediary

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (on the left) shakes hands with elected Indian counterpart Narendra Modi before their talks in New Delhi. (AP photo)

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Thailand will act as an intermediary between India and Asean countries and also support constructive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Gen Prayut was speaking during a meeting with Mr Modi at Hyderabad House before attending Thursday's Asean-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi.

The two leaders agreed to boost bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation in Asean and the Indo-Pacific region both on l and and sea routes, according to deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak.

Thailand will help enhance cooperation among all countries in the Indo-Pacific, Gen Prayut said, adding they would be encouraged to work together in all areas including economic ones through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was launched in November 2012.

By PM Modi: Asean, India share values and destiny

The RCEP aims to establish deeper economic cooperation among the 10 Asean members and six dialogue partners in the Asean Plus Six (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India and New Zealand). RCEP member countries account for 29% of global trade.

As for Thailand's relationship with India, both countries wanted cooperation in various areas to materialise including investment, anti-terrorism and tourism, said Lt Gen Werachon.

The Thai and Indian governments will join hands to develop digital econo my schemes, he said.

The total trade value between Thailand and India reached US$10.38 billion last year, or 352.83 billion baht, jumping 34% from 2016. Thailand recorded a $2.6 billion trade surplus with India last year.

Major Thai exports to India are plastic pallets, chemicals, vehicles, air-conditioner parts and jewellery and ornaments while Thailand imports chemicals, gems, silver and gold, machinery and auto parts from India.